British Values Statement

Sirius Academy West provides an inclusive; student centred community that offers our young people a high quality education and develops confident, well informed citizens who understand their responsibilities to serving the community.

It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has ensuring that groups or individuals within the academy are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Sirius Academy West is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it actively promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

Democracy

The rule of law

Individual liberty

Mutual respect

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

This also aligns with the academy’s obligations, under section 78 of the Education Act (2002), as part of a broad and balanced curriculum to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural and social (SMSC) developments of all students. The academy uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students.

The examples that follow give a flavour of the many ways we seek to embed British Values throughout the academy. They should therefore be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.

Democracy

At Sirius Academy the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community. One example of this are the democratic elections used to decide upon the representatives for our many elements of our student voice, such as House Captains, Form representatives and the many satellite groups that cover all aspects of academy life.

The wider Student Voice group all have opportunities to work with both the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Directors. Parents/Carers also have numerous ways in which they can regularly feedback and help shape the development of the academy including surveys, Twitter and contact via the website.

A deeper understanding of democracy is explored in many subjects, in particular during History, Beliefs & Values and Ethics & Philosophy lessons. This is further strengthened by aspects of the Jigsaw PSHE programme

The rule of law

Rules are consistently reinforced at Sirius Academy. Our Attitude to Learning programme and Discipline for Learning code underpin the high expectations that all members of our community continuously work towards. Through regular self-reflection and review students are able to understand their responsibilities and see the consequences if rules are not adhered to.

Understanding of the rule of law within England is embedded within many subjects including ICT, History and Business Studies. Other subjects further reinforce what is right and wrong, for example within Physical Education when students are given the responsibility to officiate various sports.

Annual events such as Year 9s Prison Me No Way day allows students to interact with all the different aspects of the legal system.

Individual liberty

At Sirius Academy, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, safe in the knowledge that they will be encouraged to do so in a safe and caring environment.

All Staff at the academy empower students so that are aware of how to exercise their rights and personal freedoms within safe perimeters. For example, all aspects of e-safety are taught through computer lessons and the assembly and tutorial programme.

A robust anti-bullying culture, a comprehensive Discipline for Learning and Attitude to Learning programme support all of our students.

The wider curriculum further supports students understanding of liberty within the context of human rights.

Mutual respect

Mutual respect is an essential part of Sirius Academy’s ethos and values.

Respect for others is actively promoted through our attitude to learn programme and is reiterated within all our learning environments. Our expectation for active listening ensures that students can express their views in a safe environment in which they know their ideas and thoughts will be respected.

Collaborative Learning structures, which are integral to the academy’s teaching and learning policy, provide a safe and structured environment through which staff and students can confidently express their views.

Throughout the curriculum the importance of mutual respect is also emphasised. For example, within Beliefs & Values and Ethics & Philosophy students are encouraged to respect the views of those from other faiths and those who with none.

Opportunities to celebrate all students’ achievements are frequently taken at every level of the academy, this can range from the weekly house assemblies to subject prize draws to ‘Tea at the Top’ with the Head of School and Executive Principal. This culminates in the annual Night of A Thousand Stars celebration event where parents and carers are invited to see their child gain recognition for their personal achievements and efforts at the academy.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The Academy equips students with the ability to appreciate their place within life in a modern Britain. A greater understanding of cultural diversity is enriched through our International Schools Programme and a rich variety of opportunities to visit other countries. The Academy frequently receives visitors from other continents and cultures.

All subjects embrace opportunities to enrich students’ knowledge of other cultures.

All five values are extensively covered within the academy’s assembly and Jigsaw tutorial programme which further reinforce students’ understanding.

In addition to the curriculum there is an extensive and varied enrichment programme which underpins the promotion of all the values. These range from participation within team and individual sports, sharing and exchanging views at the debating society to clubs which use students’ skills and endeavours to actively help both charities in the local area and abroad.

The academy seeks to continuously review and evaluate its work by gaining external accreditation. The successful completion of the awards listed below demonstrates that SMSC and British Values are incorporated into the daily life of the academy.